Martin Luther King Music

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In music class in 2nd grade we learn about Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement through the songs mentioned in a book called My Dream of Martin Luther King by Faith Ringgold published by Penguin Random House.  Here’s the MLK Songsheet I distribute in class.

Learning about the Music of the Civil Rights Movement is important because (1) music can help people feel brave, (2) difficult feelings and thoughts can be set to music that can be shared and understood by all; and (3) Martin Luther King, Jr. used song lyrics in his speeches to help deliver his message (in music class we listen to the portion of his famous “I Have A Dream” speech that includes “America (My Country ‘Tis of Thee)” and “Free At Last”).  Students can then transfer this knowledge to their own lives, using music to feel brave, process difficult concepts and share feelings and thoughts.

Here are links to videos of some of the songs:

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